A London law firm that established a base in Liverpool in 2019 is moving to a ‘permanent’ office in the city after its team more than doubles in size. Tony McDonough reports

London law firm CMS is relocating its Liverpool office after its team more than doubles in size.

CMS, an international practice focusing on major property projects, established its first Liverpool base at Exchange Flags in 2019. It initially set up with the recruitment of partner Abby Dry and seven associates.

Now the team comprises 18 people, including two property partners (following the promotion of Neil Lacey) and 14 fee-earners. It is looking to recruit more in the coming months and this expansion has necessitated a move to The Plaza in St Paul’s Square.

Its Liverpool-based team regularly advises local, national and international developers and investor clients on major property projects. The team acts on all sectors of the property market including PRS, assisted living, logistics, industrial offices and remains strong in retail.

They advised Tristan Capital Partners on its acquisition and reorganisation and financing of seven industrial/logistics properties worth around £150m. And they acted on the landmark acquisition of Martins Bank Building by Kinrise in Liverpool.

Other high-profile clients include NewRiver REIT plc, Sainsbury’s, AIMCo, PIMCo and Urban Splash.

READ MORE: Martins Bank seeks restaurant operator 

Abby Dry said: “Despite the challenges of the last two to three years, our offering has grown substantially in Liverpool. I’m delighted that we are moving into a new permanent home in the city. We look forward to continuing to provide world class legal support on many landmark real estate transactions.”

Mark Haywood, CMS property partner and head of the North, added: “Our growth in Liverpool has been staggering. This reflects the firm’s growth across the wider North of England region. And we expect that to continue.

“This move to a permanent home in Liverpool is testament to the fact that CMS now has one of the largest real estate offerings in Liverpool, and across the entire northern region, reflecting our market-leading position across the UK.”